Step Up Your STR ~ AirBnb Decor and More

Cara Shimizu ~ AirBnb Decorating Expert
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Step Up Your STR, the AirBnB decorating podcast--specialized interior design that earns Owners & Managers max revenue in a saturated market. We also discuss other high-level strategies to elevate your business from ordinary to outstanding. Hosted by Cara Shimizu, creator of the Rapid Revenue Decor System & owner of VR Decor, each episode is filled with expert insights to make your vacation rental really stand out, for more bookings & revenue. Welcome!

  1. 12/20/2025

    55 | AirBnb Decor: THIS Actually Worked

    What actually worked in short-term rental design in 2025—and what quietly cost STR owners money? In this episode, STR designer Cara Shimizu breaks down what truly moved the needle in 2025 vacation rental performance, based on real bookings, real guest behavior, and real listing photos—not trends or theory. You’ll learn: What STR design choices increased bookings and nightly rates in 2025 Why some popular Airbnb decor trends hurt performance How guests decide whether to book your STR before reading your amenities What smart STR owners are doing differently heading into 2026 Why design is no longer optional—but revenue infrastructure This episode also shares my top 3 2026 STR design predictions. If you’re an Airbnb or short-term rental owner planning updates, furnishing a new property, or wondering why your listing feels stuck—this episode gives you clear, practical guidance for designing once and profiting repeatedly. 🎧 Perfect for: Airbnb & VRBO owners Multi-unit STR investors Property managers Hosts planning upgrades for 2026 👉 Learn more or book a strategy call: VRDecor.co/contact

    17 min

  2. 11/26/2025

    54 | AirBnb Owners: What if you MISS Black Friday?!

    ⭐️ AirBnB Owner: What if You Miss Black Friday? Here’s Why STR Owners Shouldn’t Panic.In this video, I break down why missing Black Friday doesn’t hurt your business—and how to shop smarter all year long so you don't waste money on panic deals.You’ll learn:*Why STR essentials go on sale year-round*The simple system I use to decide what’s worth buying*The categories that actually matter for STR upgrades*If you want to run your STR like a business—and spend like one—this will help you avoid the #1 mistake hosts make during big sale weekends.🎙 About Me: I’m Cara, a revenue-driven AirBnb designer helping hosts earn more with smart, budget-friendly updates.Subscribe for more STR design + operations advice.Book a Discovery Call: www.VRDecor.co/contact

    18 min

  3. 11/15/2025

    53 | 18 TOOLS I ALWAYS take to AirBnb INSTALL Days

    What do professional AriBnb designers ACTUALLY bring to an install? 🔧 Get the FREE List of Tools & Items Mentioned: https://www.vrdecor.co/installtools See the YouTube video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/oilWwCQWmfM Today I’m sharing the real list—the unexpected, ultra-practical, revenue-boosting tools I take to every single Airbnb or vacation rental installation. Yes, you’ll see Goo Gone, red duct tape, museum wax, cord-hiding kits… and the surprisingly powerful items most designers never think to pack.If you want your short-term rental to look finished, polished, and photo-ready (without wasting hours on install day), this episode is for you.In this video, you’ll learn:✔ The exact items I bring to every STR install✔ The weird-but-essential tools that save me HOURS✔ Cleaning products that make your rental look instantly more expensive✔ How I hide cords, fix scratches, polish spaces, and prevent guest damage✔ My personal system for making installs fast, smooth, and stress-free✔ Why these tools directly affect your listing photos and revenueWhether you’re an Airbnb host, a property manager, or a designer wanting smoother install days, these must-haves will completely change how you prep a space.✨ Want more revenue-driven STR design help?I specialize in revenue-driven interior design for short-term rentals — including Makeovers, E-Design, and design consultations.Contact me Here--I'm happy to answer your questions! https://www.vrdecor.co/contact🎙️ Listen to the full podcast series:Episode 1 — Install ToolsEpisode 2 — Pre-Install + Layout Techniques COMING SOONEpisode 3 — Room-by-Room Styling Tips COMING SOON

    20 min

  4. 10/15/2025

    52 | Get More Airbnb Bookings with Free Fall Decorating

    Click here to get the FREE printable that details how to decorate for EVERY season for $0 FREE Fall printable resources: * https://www.amelialawrencestyle.com/free-vintage-fall-art/ * https://thegraphicsfairy.com/fall-landscape-images/ * https://notinggrace.com/free-vintage-fall-art-26-printable-landscape-paintings/

    20 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    51 | 🎙️ 50 Episodes In ~ 5 Golden Decor Rules Every STR Owner Should Know

    Click here to download the No-fail Paint Color Freebie: https://www.vrdecor.co/paint Click here to contact us for a complimentary consultation: https://VRDecor.co/contact Hi, I'm Cara Shimizu, AirBnb interior designer. ✨ Celebrating episode 50! ✨ In this milestone episode of Step Up Your STR, I’m sharing the 5 Golden Rules of STR Decorating—the timeless design strategies that will help you attract more bookings, impress your guests, and earn more revenue from your short-term rental. 🏡 Whether you manage one property or several, design is not just about looking good—it’s about creating spaces that sell themselves in photos and deliver unforgettable guest experiences. 👉 In this episode, you’ll discover: 1️⃣ Why vivid color makes your listing photos pop and sets you apart 2️⃣ Which wall paint creates flexibility and brightness for every space 3️⃣ The power of an “Instagrammable moment” (and how it markets your STR for free) 4️⃣ Which design choices save you money in the long run 5️⃣ How to achieve perfect decorative balance so your space feels intentional, not accidental Here are 10 of my FAV Gold Items:*Gold sconces: https://amzn.to/46uYiiI *Gold framed art: https://amzn.to/3KOcavQ *Gold bathroom hardware: https://amzn.to/42jYoXX *Gold doorknob: https://amzn.to/4gUaEEL *Gold footed bowl: https://amzn.to/4nEy1EU *Gold accented chandelier: https://amzn.to/4pRk4EQ *Gold-framed mirror: https://amzn.to/42kHgBt *Gold hooks: https://amzn.to/4gT43Kv *Gold: https://amzn.to/474DaA2 🌟 Plus: I share my bold prediction for the next 5 years of STR guest expectations. 🔥 If you’re an STR owner who wants: More bookings Higher nightly rates Better guest reviews …then this episode is for you. Don’t just decorate—design for revenue. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on STR design, hosting strategies, and how to maximize your rental income through smart, intentional decorating. #AirBnbDecor #STRDesign #AirbnbTips #InteriorDesign #AirbnbHost #VacationRental #Superhost

    16 min

  6. 09/26/2025

    50 | AirBnb Owners + Charlie Kirk: Convictions, Responsibility, Free Speech & Capitalism

    In this special 50th episode, we discuss the growing pressure on free speech, what the tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk teaches us about truth and responsibility, and why entrepreneurs and STR owners must stand up for themselves in today’s climate. From defending freedom of speech to challenging unfair Airbnb practices and corporate overreach, we explore how strong convictions, personal responsibility, and free markets drive both democracy and success in the short-term rental world. If you believe in free speech, capitalism, and the right to speak up for what’s fair, this episode is for you.

    12 min

  7. 09/09/2025

    49 | The $10k STR Remodel Mistake!

    Book a FREE Clarity Call here: https://VRDecor.co/contactAnd want some MORE FREE STR decorating resources? Grab a bunch here: https://VRDecor.co/freeresourcesAre you pouring tens of thousands into remodeling your STR… only to wonder why bookings & revenue aren’t where they should be? In this episode, STR design expert Cara Shimizu of VR Decor uncovers the $10K design mistake that most STR owners never see coming: spending big on construction, then skimping on the design + furnishings that actually sell the stay.You’ll learn:*Why cutting corners on design quietly drains your revenue*How to avoid the most common STR owner objections (& myths!)*A 5-step action plan to create a guest-ready space that performs*Real-life examples of owners who wasted thousands—& how to do it rightWhether you’re new to STRs or managing multiple units, this episode will help you transform your property into a revenue-driving, guest-attracting asset instead of a money pit. Check out these helpful video podcasts, on more STR decorating to earn max revenue:*The TOP decor strategy for more bookings: https://youtu.be/iA0eeuUEEfM*How to decorate a small STR: https://youtu.be/MefF6jh8g2Y*Reviews of STR designers + freebie printable! https://youtu.be/lmmHF7bn3BA

    14 min

  8. 08/20/2025

    48 | 8 Final AirBnb Designers, Compared + Free Printable!

    Want the FREE DOWNLOAD that summarizes ALL 24 STR Designers? Just click here: https://VRDecor.co/designersHave questions about STR decorators? Book a FREE Clarity Call here-- https://VRDecor.co/contactAnd want some MORE FREE STR decorating resources? Grab a bunch here-- https://VRDecor.co/freeresources Are all Airbnb designers the same? Not even close. In this episode, we’re comparing 7 short-term rental (STR) interior designers—breaking down their styles, services, pricing, and strategy so you can figure out which one is the right fit for your rental property. Many “regular” interior designers make homes look pretty… but STR design has to be different in order to be successful. The best STR designers know how to: Maximize bookings & revenue 💰 Create scroll-stopping photos for Airbnb/VRBO 📸 Deliver guest-friendly layouts that boost reviews ⭐ Make your property stand out in a crowded market 🏡 ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Video: A breakdown of 7 specific STR designers and what they offer Which designers focus on E-Design vs. full-service installs Who offers nationwide services vs. local only Where pricing is transparent (and where it’s hidden) How to tell if a designer’s strategy is truly revenue-driven My insights on who each designer is best suited for 🎧 This is Part 2 of a 3-part series where I review a total of 21 STR designers. Don’t miss Part 1 (8 designers) and stay tuned for Part 3 (the final 6 + my full comparison article). 👉 Whether you’re an Airbnb host, VRBO owner, or STR property manager, this will help you hire the right designer for your goals.

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Step Up Your STR, the AirBnB decorating podcast--specialized interior design that earns Owners & Managers max revenue in a saturated market. We also discuss other high-level strategies to elevate your business from ordinary to outstanding. Hosted by Cara Shimizu, creator of the Rapid Revenue Decor System & owner of VR Decor, each episode is filled with expert insights to make your vacation rental really stand out, for more bookings & revenue. Welcome!

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